New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR58

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Proposes amendment to Constitution to prohibit State or federal law or regulation from compelling a person to obtain, provide, or participate in health care coverage.

Impact

The proposed amendment would significantly influence the regulatory landscape in New Jersey by removing any government compulsion related to health care insurance. If enacted, this could potentially negate existing health insurance mandates that have been part of both state and federal law. As a result, New Jersey residents would retain the freedom to choose whether they wish to procure health care insurance without facing penalties for non-compliance, which could enhance personal liberty but may also raise concerns regarding the accessibility and affordability of health care services.

Summary

ACR58 proposes an amendment to the New Jersey Constitution that aims to establish a fundamental right to health care freedom. This amendment specifies that no state or federal law or regulation can compel any individual to acquire health insurance, require employers to provide health coverage to their employees, or mandate participation of health care providers in any health care plans. The bill is largely rooted in the principle of personal choice with respect to health care coverage, aligning with broader trends seen in various states regarding health care autonomy and regulation.

Contention

Debate surrounding ACR58 may center around both its implications for public health policy and the financial sustainability of health care services in New Jersey. Proponents argue that it protects individual rights and prevents governmental overreach into personal health care decisions, while opponents might raise concerns that the amendment could exacerbate issues related to uninsured populations and reduce overall health care access. The potential rollback of mandates could lead to increased healthcare costs or worsen health outcomes for vulnerable populations who may rely on such protections.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ SCR30

Proposes constitutional amendment to limit effective period of certain emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by Governor to 14 days.

NJ ACR141

Proposes constitutional amendment to limit effective period of certain emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by Governor to 14 days.

NJ SCR70

Proposes constitutional amendment to prohibit person convicted of criminal offense, as defined by law, from holding elective public office.

NJ ACR19

Proposes constitutional amendment prohibiting any student from being compelled to attend public school other than one nearest to student's residence.

NJ SCR79

Proposes constitutional amendment prohibiting any student from being compelled to attend public school other than one nearest to student's residence.

NJ ACR36

Proposes constitutional amendment to increase amount of annual veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $1,250.

NJ ACR31

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing municipalities, by ordinance, to provide partial property tax exemption on primary residence of certain volunteer first responders.

NJ ACR99

Proposes amendment to constitution regarding parental notification for medical or surgical procedures or treatments relating to pregnancy to be performed on minor children.

NJ ACR139

Proposes constitutional amendment to require Statewide calculation of affordable housing obligation.

NJ SCR60

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide for Statewide initiative and referendum.

Similar Bills

LA HB472

(Constitutional Amendment) Revises Article VII of the Constitution of La. (OR -$139,000,000 GF RV See Note)

NJ ACR123

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR75

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR43

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

LA HB244

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

LA HB678

(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)

LA HB473

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)

HI SB1225

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.